The Karnataka Congress-led government in Bengaluru held an emergency Cabinet meeting and decided to conduct a special Legislature debate from January 22-31 on the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced the decisions made during the meeting, including convening a joint session on January 22 and inviting the Governor to address the Legislature.
The Cabinet also authorized the Chief Minister to approve the Governor’s address during the joint session and planned a special discussion to raise awareness about the social and economic impacts of the new Act. Minister Patil emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding public and state interests and expressed concerns over potential threats to the rights of the state’s people under the federal system.
Acknowledging objections from other states, Minister Patil highlighted Punjab and Tamil Nadu’s concerns, along with opposition from six to seven states. He criticized the new Act for centralizing decision-making powers that were previously held by panchayats under the MNREGA Act, affecting employment opportunities and decentralization principles. The government aims to raise public awareness, initiate discussions, and pressure the Union government for the Act’s restoration.
In response to challenges from BJP and JD(S) leaders, Minister Patil defended the state’s audit processes to address irregularities. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s evolving stance on MNREGA, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers’ rights and decentralization principles.
